North Korea is now turning to sport in to raise its image on the international stage by targeting international competitions such as the Olympic Games, while also “increasing labour output and national defence” by improving its citizens' wellbeing, according to a North Korean sports delegation.

Speaking at a sports science congress in Incheon, South Korea, Yang Song Ho – part of the delegation and assistant professor at Pyongyang's Korea University of Physical Education – said North Korea was working to make sport “an everyday concern for the masses.”

The announcement was made in the buildup for the Incheon-based Asian Games, which kick-off on 19 September.

The speech and the games – which will see 150 athletes make the trip south – mark a rare presence for North Korea in South Korea, as the two countries are still technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, rather than a peace treaty, while tensions remain high particularly along the North/South border.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un has placed an emphasis on sport since his rise to power in 2012, previously hosting NBA hall of famer Dennis Rodman for an exhibition match and then inviting Japanese professional wrestling legend-turned-politician Antonio Inoki to entertain North Korea with a martial arts and pro wrestling event later this month.

"The DPRK (North Korea) has put forward sports as an important project in achieving the prosperity of the country and nation,” said Yang, who also said the ultimate goal of sport in North Korea was to "comprehensively develop human beings possessed of sound body and sturdy willpower, so that they can contribute to labour and national defence."

North Korea also had some success during the London 2012 Olympics, winning four gold medals and two bronze in judo and weightlifting, finishing 20th place on the rankings table.

"I believe that the Asian Games will be a great opportunity for strengthening friendship and unity... and promoting mutual understanding and respect," added Yang.

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